NMSU Athletics Announces 2019 Hall Of Fame Class

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The New Mexico State Athletics Department announced the names of the five newest members to be inducted into the US Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame on Wednesday. The 2019 US Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame class includes Davon House (football), Krystal (Torres) Ceniceros (volleyball), Reggie Jordan (men’s basketball), Steve Haskins (men’s golf) and Dr. Jack Welch (men’s swimming).

All five will be formally inducted on Friday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. (MT) in the Danny Villanueva Victory Club on the third floor of the Stan Fulton Athletic Center and will be recognized the following day at halftime of the men’s basketball game against UT Rio Grande Valley.

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased by calling Nicole Gomez at 575-646-8050 or via email at nicolemg@nmsu.edu. Deadline to purchase tickets for the event is Wednesday, Feb. 20.

“I couldn’t be happier to recognize and honor our former student-athletes and former head coach with their induction into the US Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame,” Director of Athletics Mario Moccia stated. “Being inducted into your alma mater’s hall of fame is the highest honor one can be bestowed and all five are deserving of this recognition. Hall of Fame weekend will be a wonderful experience for these inductees as well as our fans when we celebrate some of the greatest that have put on an Aggie uniform.”

House (2007-10) is the 46th Aggie football player to be inducted into the hall of fame. House, who is currently playing with the Green Bay Packers, recorded 202 career tackles during his time with the Aggies and also picked off opposing quarterbacks 11 times in his tenure – which is tied for sixth-best all-time.

After his career with the Aggies, House was drafted in the fourth-round of the NFL Draft (131st overall) by the Packers in 2011 as a defensive back. Through the 2018 season, House has played in 87 games with 185 tackles and seven interceptions.

“My family and I are forever grateful for the lessons learned and relationships formed at New Mexico State,” House remarked. “Honoring Jesus Christ and representing the Aggies in the NFL has been a dream come true.”

Ceniceros, formerly Torres (2005-08), had an illustrious career in the Crimson & White under the direction of head volleyball coach Mike Jordan. As a senior, Ceniceros became the fifth player in program history to earn All-America distinctions from the American Volleyball Coaches Association and also took home all-region west honors. In addition, she was a three-time all-conference player – including first-team honors her last two years. Ceniceros was also named to the WAC All-Tournament team in 2007-08 while leading NM State to three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

“I am completely humbled to be known among some of the greatest athletes at NM State,” Ceniceros said. “When I first stepped foot into that gym, never did I think this could be one of my accomplishments. I am extremely grateful for the support of my family, the community, fans and staff at New Mexico State that have made me proud to be an Aggie.”

Jordan (1989-91) was a two-year letter winner for the Aggies during his time in Las Cruces. His 14.6 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game as a senior earned him First-Team All-Big West honors before finishing his career with 752 points and 412 rebounds. He helped the Aggies earn NCAA Tournament berths both years while also taking home Big West Co-Champion honors in his first season.

After his time at NM State, Jordan had a long 19-year professional career – including seven years in the NBA. He wrapped up his NBA career seeing action in 186 games while tallying 500 points, 343 rebounds, 190 assists, 92 steals and 31 blocks on top of his .433 shooting clip. He posted a career-high 28 points during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1993-94 campaign.

“It’s a great honor being inducted into the US Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Jordan. “This wasn’t something that I expected, but it’s a great honor. This is where it all began for me. I played high school and JC ball, but I look at New Mexico State and Las Cruces as a second home. It has led to a very good career for me as far as basketball goes and I owe it to my teammates. Without them I know I couldn’t accomplish the things that I did. It was a team effort so I’d like to thank all those guys.”

Haskins (1978-81) is one of the more decorated golfers in Aggie history, earning All-America honors in 1981 after winning the Missouri Valley Conference title. He also led New Mexico State to back-to-back MVC Championships in 1980-81 and was a part of seven team tournament titles. He went on to play professionally in the Nationwide Tour (now Web.com Tour) and the Champions Tour.

“I’m humbled and honored to be inducted into the US Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame,” Haskins said. “I was fortunate to have played for Herb Wimberly, one of the finest golf coaches in the country. His encouragement and knowledge of the game made it possible for me to play golf beyond college.”

Welch enters the US Bank/NM State Hall of Fame from the coaching ranks and the first coach since Scott Lieberwirth, who was inducted in 2014. The first head men’s swimming and diving coach in NM State history, Welch began his tenure with the Aggies in 1964 before taking a leave of absence to pursue a doctorates degree in 1967 and returned to the Aggies in 1970. During his time at the helm, Welch guided Steve Betts to the 1977 NCAA Championships in the 200-yard backstroke. He was also the only staffer to serve as both head coach and chair of the faculty athletic advisory council. In addition, Welch was instrumental in the creation of the Aggie women’s swimming and diving team in 1972.

"Being selected for induction into the US Bank/NM State Athletic Hall of Fame is an honor that I accept with both joy and humility,” Welch said.